While the Key Peninsula Civic Center can't promise all of the gratuitous nudity and open liquor laws of New Orleans, the folks running the joint can guarantee good music and a good time. If you haven't spent much time in Louisiana, you may not be too versed in Mardi gras. While the March 4 holiday is as far away as paved Tacoma streets, first annual Key Peninsula Mardi Gras Music Festival is on the books for Saturday, Feb. 8 at the KPCC. The festival will rock with Filé Gumbo, The Kim Archer Band, Gabriel and Merrilee Rush, whose song "Angel of the Morning" was a no. 1 hit in 1968. An authentic southern dinner provided by Murph's BBQ, best guest costume contest to crown of King and Queen of the parade, and signature Mardi Gras cocktails will keep everyone hopping until midnight.

MARDI GRAS, 6 p.m., 21 and older, Key Peninsula Civic Center, 17010 S. Vaughn Road Kp N., Vaughn, $30-$35, 253.884.3456